Procosamine®
Joint ventures with
®
Procosamine !
The two hundred bones in your body are made from calcium and other minerals. Bones
protect, shape and support your body.
Your joints are the point where two bones meet – they’re a bit like hinges, structures that
allow for flexible movement. To protect them and maintain suppleness, joints contain fluids
and other substances that cushion the area so they can then slide against each other without
friction. With age and through injury, for example, your joints can become damaged, causing
pain and inflammation. This can lead to a condition called osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis explained
‘Osteo’ is the Latin word for bone and arthritis is a general term that’s used to describe a
number of painful conditions affecting the joints and bones. It is associated with discomfort,
irritation, swelling and inflammation.
In osteoarthritis, small amounts of cartilage break away from bone so that the bones rub
together; this strains the ligaments (strong tissues that hold bones together). The joints can
become brittle and bone thickens and spreads forming osteophytes (knobbly growths). Inside
the joint, the fluid gets thinner and the space that contains fluid becomes smaller. You feel pain
when the bones rub together and/or the joints move out of their natural positions.
Healthy Joint
Osteoarthritic Joint
Cartilage
Bone
• Synovial joints are moveable
joints
• The synovial membrane is a
soft tissue found between
the bones in the joint capsule
• Synovial joints contain a
lubricating liquid called
synovial fluid
Bone
Synovial
membrane
• A joint is where two or more
bones meet
Cartilage has
eroded and
bones rub
together
• Cartilage is a fleshy tissue
that needs to be elastic and
resilient
Ageing cuts the body’s ability to repair and renew cartilage (a flexible type of connective
tissue). The breakdown of cartilage reduces the shock-absorbing capacity in the joints and
osteoarthritis (OA) can occur. The kind of damage that results from wear and tear tends to
affect the large weight-bearing joints most often – the hips, knees and ankles for example. But
OA can also affect the hands and the fingers.
Although it isn’t generally life-threatening, osteoarthritis is a major cause of physical disability
for millions of people worldwide. And, as our population gets older and heavier, its dramatic
influence on healthcare costs and quality of life is likely to get worse.
If you have symptoms, taking analgesics and/or anti-inflammatories and rubbing anti-inflammatory
cream/gel into the joint can ease pain although your doctor may advise steroids and/or surgery.
What are the symptoms?
Pain or stiffness after sitting or lying down for some time is common in OA. And, mild and/or
occasional joint pain and stiffness can progress to more frequent and severe pain with affected
joints becoming increasingly difficult to move. The muscles that usually move the joint get
tighter and shorter as they are used less and less and it becomes increasingly difficult to
straighten the joint.
Who’s affected by OA?
OA is a common chronic (long-term)
condition; more than 1.6 million Australians
are affected. The causes aren’t completely
understood, but risk factors can include:
• B
eing overweight/obese (especially
long-term as this puts added pressure
on the joints)
• P
hysical injury/overuse of the joint (as seen
in sports people or people who do heavy,
physical work)
• Family history (a genetic tendency)
• Damage to the nerves that supply a joint
What can you do?
• Infection of the joints and/or the bones.
Get into a healthy weight range
Conditions that alter the position of the ends
of bones such as rickets (low vitamin D in
childhood) and osteomalacia (low vitamin D
in the adult years) and other bone and joint
illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and
gout can also increase the likelihood of OA.
If you have OA and are overweight, getting into a healthy weight range is one of the best
things you can do to help your condition.
Enjoy plenty of fruits and veggies, wholegrain cereals, pulses, dairy or calcium-enriched soya
produce, fish and lean meat or vegetarian alternatives. Try to make fish the dish of the day
at least twice a week, especially oily fish like salmon, fresh tuna and sardines. These supply
valuable omega-3 fats which have anti-inflammatory effects. Cut down on fatty and/or sugary
foods and drinks and alcohol. Speak with your doctor or an Accredited Practicing Dietitian or
look into the benefits of USANA’s RESET™ Weight Management Program.
Try modest exercise and supplements
Moderate exercise brings lots of health benefits. For example, if you have OA of the knee, you
may have weak leg muscles because you naturally favour the non-painful joint. But doing
exercises to strengthen the major muscles may boost your daily activity and your stamina, too.
Combining moderate activity with glucosamine, one of the active ingredients in Procosamine®
may bring even better results.
Why exercise? Because it…
• Improves your overall fitness
• H
elps boost the blood supply around
your body
Studies have found that the ancient eastern practice of Tai
Chi can improve fitness, strengthen muscles, boost flexibility,
reduce body fat and lower the risk of falls in the elderly. In a
study of people with OA of the knee or hip, those who practiced
Tai Chi twice a week for three months showed improvement in
overall sense of quality of life, less stress/tension and easier
self-management of arthritis symptoms.
• K
eeps the muscles that support the joints
strong and supple
• Improves strength and endurance
• Improves the range of motion and posture
• Enhances balance and coordination
• B
oosts mood by releasing endorphins –
the body’s natural feel-good chemicals
and painkillers.
One study from the University of Queensland found that people with OA who embarked on a
three-day a week walking program and took a glucosamine supplement felt less OA-related pain.
The volunteers in the small study took 1500mg glucosamine daily for six weeks and reported
that their pain levels had fallen by 13 per cent. Then, they were asked to start regular exercise
as well as continuing to take the glucosamine supplements. At the end of six months, patients
said that both their pain and stiffness had been cut by half, as reported in the journal Arthritis
Research and Therapy.
Lead researcher Queensland University’s Dr Kristiann Heesch said that their findings:
‘Provide preliminary evidence that osteoarthritis sufferers can benefit from a combination of
glucosamine sulphate and walking 3,000 steps per day for exercise, in bouts of at least 1500
steps each, on at least three days per week.’ USANA’s Procosamine® provides a high potency
vegetarian form of glucosamine to support normal healthy joints and cartilage. So, you can
benefit from the same results as taking regular glucosamine sulphate but without the potential
for shellfish allergies in susceptible people and it’s suitable for vegetarians, too.
According to the Arthritis Foundation
of Australia…
The Cochrane Collaboration, an
extremely conservative medical
review group has stated that ‘there
is good evidence that glucosamine
is both effective and safe in treating
osteoarthritis. ’
Glucosamine sulphate
or hydrochloride –
what’s the difference?
Most research has focused on the
health benefits of glucosamine
sulphate whilst Procosamine contains
a vegetarian source of glucosamine
hydrochloride. USANA scientists have
added potassium sulphate to the
Procosamine formulation in order to
provide the same benefits as shellfishsourced glucosamine sulphate.
Vitamins A, C & E
Glucosamine is used to make cartilage
which needs the antioxidant vitamins A, C
and E and the antioxidant mineral selenium
for its production. Glucosamine is essential
for bone building and for the production of
skin, nails, tendons and cartilage. Boosting
A, C and E and selenium may thus help to
protect the joints.
Glucosamine and Procosamine®
Be GUIDE-ed!
Glucosamine is a substance that’s naturally produced by the body; it’s one of the building
blocks of collagen, bone, blood vessels, joints and ligaments. It is also a precursor or substance
used to make larger molecules called glycosaminoglycans which are involved in the formation
and repair of cartilage and collagen.
The results of a small six month long
trial called the GUIDE trial conducted
in Spain and Portugal, measured the
effects of a 1500mg daily dose of
glucosamine sulphate against a 3000mg
daily dose of the analgesic (pain killer)
acetaminophen (paracetamol) or
placebo in 318 people with knee OA.
Glucosamine relieved pain significantly
better than the acetaminophen or
placebo say the researchers.
Glucosamine maintains the gumminess of joints by inhibiting the enzymes that may
breakdown cartilage. We produce less of it with ageing and including it in your diet may be a
good way to bolster your body’s natural recovery from daily wear and tear.
Supplementary benefits of Procosamine
Procosamine helps to reduce joint inflammation, reduce swelling and increase joint mobility
associated with arthritis not just because of the glucosamine it contains, but also due to its
added blend of key joint-supporting minerals.
Turmeric extract. Curcuminoids in turmeric (the bright yellow spice that gives a golden glow
to Indian curries and curry powder) contains potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Traditional
curcumin from turmeric isn’t absorbed well (isn’t able to enter cells easily). So, in to deliver
any real benefits you would have to consume very large amounts. Scientists suggest around
10 grams (around two teaspoons) daily to achieve blood concentrations that correspond to
preclinical studies. USANA’s Procosamine® contains patented Meriva® Curcumin to enhance
curcumin’s health benefits. The active anti-inflammatory ingredient is wrapped in a protective
lecithin (fatty substance) layer which helps to prevent it from breaking down in the stomach
allowing for better absorption in the small intestine. The Meriva Curcumin complex allows for
29-times better absorption than standard forms of curcumin.
‘Glucosamine is a safe compound
and its use should be considered in
the early stages of OA,’ says Gabriel
Herrero-Beaumont MD lead author of
the GUIDE trial.
Meriva is an important ingredient that can improve joint comfort and function and
support a normal, healthy inflammatory response. OA is a chronic (long-term) condition
that requires ongoing treatment, some of which includes pain killers such as non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). NSAIDs and corticosteroids can have severe side effects when
used long-term. Meriva is an effective and safe anti-inflammatory in the complementary
management of OA. Plus, studies of Meriva and NSAIDs have shown a decreased use of NSAIDs
in treatment groups. So, Meriva may have a potential use in the reduction of NSAID use for
mild-to-moderate OA. Also, a clear reduction of NSAID-associated gastrointestinal problems
has been seen in treatment groups. This may be due also to the reduced intake of NSAIDs, to
the protective effects of curcumin, or to a combination of both.
Vitamin C. This is a potent antioxidant needed for the production of cartilage and is also an
important immune function booster.
Manganese. A mineral that plays a key role in the production of a component of cartilage.
Supplementary supplements
Essentials™ contains Vitamin D. This helps the body to absorb calcium for strong bones. Some
studies suggest low levels of vitamin D in people with joint diseases. The fluid in an inflamed
joint can contain significant amounts of free radicals which are not found in a normal knee
joint. Essentials contains a potent and wide-ranging mix of antioxidants.
BiOmega™III contains omega-3 fats. These essential oils are known for their anti-inflammatory
properties; they are also converted in the body into substances called prostaglandins which may
help to improve joint mobility and reduce joint stiffness and resulting pain.
Using Procosamine: take three tablets daily, preferably with meals.
NB: Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Use only as directed. Always read
the label. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
Procosamine®
References
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